Arguing with God

(guest devotion from my brother Chris)

Arguing With God
Isaiah 1:18-20

"Come, sit down. Let's argue this out..."
Have you ever said these words to a coworker?
A family member perhaps? 
A neighbor? 

For many, arguing is something to avoid at all costs. We fight to avoid conflict. 
For others, confrontation is the best way to bring things to a head, get them dealt with and move on. 

Which group do you fall into? Do you look forward to an argument? Do you cringe at the thought of raised voices and heightened emotions? Regardless of your answer, imagine now that it's God asking you to sit down and argue. I don't know about you, but the thought of arguing with God terrifies me. What could I possibly have to say to support my stance? He is perfect. I am the opposite. He created this amazing world AND me; everything I've ever done is filth in His sight. This is not going to go well.

In the section of scripture we're considering today we read...
"This is God's Message :
If your sins are blood red, they'll be snow white. 
If they're red like crimson, they'll be like wool."

No argument from me! This is GREAT news. Unearned salvation and the COMPLETE washing away of all my filthy thoughts, words, actions; sins. Well...that wasn't so bad, right? Wow, what was I so worried about? This arguing thing is a piece of cake! But wait, there's more.

"If you'll willingly obey, you'll feast like kings..." 
Uhoh.
This part sounds like it relies on me.
That's where the argument begins. Time and again I commit to doing the right thing. Thinking only good thoughts. Saying only good things. Doing only good things. Time and again, I do the opposite. I continuously fail to willingly obey. So, it looks like I'm not going to be doing any feasting, that's for sure.

"But, if you're willful and stubborn, you'll die like dogs. That's right, God says so." 
Gulp...
Willful and stubborn? That's me alright. 
I know what's right, but choose what's wrong. I try, but fail. Over and over, I fall short. I'm like an obstinate child who continuously disobeys. My punishment is death. There's no way out of this argument. I was right to be afraid. 

Wow...this argument isn't going well at all. 
As I imagined, my chances of winning an argument with God are not good. I'm doomed; crushed by the weight and reality of my hopeless situation and guilt. I am worthless. Wait. I hear someone speaking; arguing on my behalf. Who would bother to stand up for me when I continually prove my worthlessness? 

The one who argues on my behalf is none other than the one who condemns me. The Son, 1/3 of the Triune God, comes to my rescue, puts on my sin and argues with His Father on my behalf. WOW! The argument is won. I am saved. I continue in my daily struggle to do right, think right, live right, NOT out of fear or guilt or some misguided belief that I will earn my way to Heaven. Instead I strive to live a life pleasing to God to show gratitude for the gift he has given me. He argues on my behalf when I am unable to do so. GREAT is our God!

We pray, 
Blessed God. Thank you for creating me. Thank you for sustaining me. Thank you
for condemning me in my sin to make it clear that I cannot do this on my own and to prepare me for the unimaginable gift you gave me in Your Son, who argues on my behalf and wins the argument to grant me eternity in paradise. 
Amen.

There's no grey there...

"Grey.  The world is grey, Jack."

From "Patriot Games"

Hear the quote at about 2:00 into this clip.

That phrase is spoken by the “bad guy”.

To him it’s all grey.

To Jack (the main character and good guy) there is right and wrong.

There IS Black and white.

There’s no grey there.

===========================

In May of 1989 - the Galaxy IV communications satellite had a control processor fail.  This caused it to rotate so it was facing away from earth. 

The instant that happened 40 million pagers in the US stopped working.  NPR and CBS had to find alternate means to broadcast their signal.

The outage lasted for days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_IV

A satellite either works.  Or it doesn't.

There's no grey there. 

============================

As we study our man Samuel we see there’s no grey for him either.

1 Samuel 12:20-22

It's the true God or no god at all.

There's no grey there.

============================

And there's no grey for us either.

Check out 1 Peter: 9-12

Night or day.

Nothing or something.

Rejected or accepted.

There's no grey there.

============================

Which direction are you facing?

Can you see God?  No?

Then you're probably not facing him.

Turn around.

There’s no grey there.

Just grace, forgiveness and salvation.

============================

Amen!

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Love them people

My siblings and I are studying the Song of Songs book of the Bible this week.

Song of Songs 1:1-3 (The Message)

This book is unique - a very intimate and intense love letter that God puts in our hands to read and digest.

Our devotions are supposed to focus on leadership - and we're finding it difficult to see how leadership advice from God could come from a love letter.

Or is it so difficult?

Remember a time when you were a leader or a follower and you loved it?

You couldn't wait until the next time you got together.

• Maybe for you it was on the playground?
• Or in church?
• Or in a club or organization?
• Or on a dancefloor?
• Or on an amazing team?

Why was that time so special?

Was it the thing you were doing?

Or the people you were doing it with?

Probably the people.

People who loved to be together, loved doing what they were doing, loved following the leader.

And that's how Song of Songs ties into leadership.

It's all about deep, abiding, meaningful love.  

If I am not leading (and serving) out of love for the people I lead/serve - I am missing out big time!

I know that's not how I usually think about it - but if you eliminate all the other "motivators" (money, power, adoration, prestige) - and you are still leading/serving - then you are doing it out of love.

For people.

1 Corinthians 13 (highlighting verses 1 and 2 - but read the whole chapter to see love through the lens of leadership/servanthood).

"If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing."

Oh Lord,

You put me here for a reason.

And that reason isn't me.

It's my family, friends, co-workers and any face I see today.

People that need love.

Mine, and especially Yours.

Help me speak the truth in love today.

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

The Bible. Featuring...Me?!?

One of the things I like about my job is that I get to work with logical computers.  They do what you tell them and you can expect a certain result every time.

One of the things I don't like as much about my job is that I get to work with people. They don't do what you tell them and you can't expect a certain result every time.
People are messy.

And I'm a person.
I'm messy.

As I read through the Bible I am surprised to find myself.

I'm also surprised to find that I'm not the hero.
I'm not riding in to save the day.
In fact - I'm not even helping.

For instance - Jesus addresses a riled-up band of religious leaders in John 8:3-11.
They had dragged in a woman caught in adultery and wanted to involve Jesus (trying to trap him with words) in the urgent action to kill the woman.

They ask for his advice.  
He drew in the dirt, not answering them.

They ask again.
He stood up and said "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.".

...and then "those who heard began to go away one at a time".
There's me - one of those riled-up religious leaders - so sure that I'm right and everyone else is wrong.
Ready to throw the stone.
...And then skulking away sheepishly.

Oh - and not only am I always right - but I love to point out where you are wrong.

I show up in the spotlight in Luke 6:41-42

"It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. 

Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? 

It’s this I-know-better-than-you mentality again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your own part. 

Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."

Thank the Lord that I also make an appearance in John 3:16-17...as a member of the world.  And as one who believes in Him.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

God,

Thanks for making messy me.

And making your salvation personal.

For me!

Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

O,MG! AIB!

Density of physicians (total number per 1000 population)

Oh, my God, am I blessed?

I'm looking for a new primary care physician.  I have a web site from my insurance company that lets me search for Primary Care physicians.  

It tells me I have 275 physicians within 10 miles to choose from.

The World Health Organization reports that most countries in Africa and Indonesia have less than 1/2 physicians per 1,000 population.

Oh, my God, am I blessed?

On my 5-mile bicycle commute to work yesterday - I counted 10 restaurants (6 of them fast food), 5 gas stations, 6 bus stops, and 5 convenience stores.  On my journey I am no more than 100 feet from fresh water and shelter (between businesses and houses).

According to water.org - 750 million people in the world lack access to clean water.  (almost 2 1/2 times the population of the United States).

Oh, my God, am I blessed?

My bicycle commute is interesting because most days - I see no other bicycles and only a few people walking.  But, boy, do I see cars!  I bike on the sidewalk on some parts because they've commandeered the bike lane.  I'd have to estimate I see 500-1000 cars on my way to work.

This summer I learned that our church mission in Malawi serves a church body whose 26 pastors serve at 120+ congregations and most of those pastors don't have a car.  Mostly because Malawi doesn't have a lot of car-friendly roads.  A few have motorcycles.  Most have bicycles.  And these 26 pastors traverse a country that is a little larger than the state of Minnesota.

Oh, my God, am I blessed?

Oh, 
My God!
Am I BLESSED!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Getting emotional: Anger!

(Getting Emotional series: Anger!)
Anger.
Felt it today?  If not yet, you will.
Are you trying to "simmer down" right now about something?

I'd like to point you to this very short devotion about "Anger without sin" that I read last week.  The thought that no one can "make you" angry was very insightful - only you can "make you" angry.  (and I'm so good at doing it...) 

The book of Proverbs has a few choice words about anger.  So here is a treasure hunt for you - find the pearls of wisdom from Solomon relating to anger...

• Proverbs 30:32-33
• Proverbs 29:22
• Proverbs 15:1
• Proverbs 20:2-3
• Proverbs 21:14
• Proverbs 27:4
• Proverbs 22:24-25 
• Proverbs 29:8

Lord God of heaven and earth,

I really mess things up, don't I?

And getting angry about it NEVER helps.

Thank you for the pointed and poignant thoughts about anger you provide in Proverbs.

And thanks for cleaning up my mess - forever - by sending Jesus.

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Everything you'd hoped for...

Have you ever hoped for or looked forward to something - and then - it turns out not to be "everything you had hoped for"?

• Maybe a birthday party where your best friend couldn't be there...
• Maybe a vacation where the weather turned against you and everybody fought...
• Maybe a graduation where you realized that you're not done - but just begun...

Kind of reminds me of when Jesus came to earth.
When everyone was hoping for the mighty king Savior to come and conquer all the terrible kings and rulers.

The angels announced that the King had come.
...to a lowly manger.
...as a baby.

That's a KING?

It was not what they had hoped for...but just what they needed.
For God to become man and life the perfect life that they couldn't.
For Him to die for them and rise again - to give them freedom from the chains of sin.
FREE at last! (a Sermon from Pastor Don)
Are you misplacing your hope?
Hoping for things you DON'T need?

What DO you need?
- peace
- freedom (from worry, fear, conflict, etc.)
- love

And you can only find that in one place.
Jesus!

Hebrews 11:1 
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
(Read all of Hebrews 11 - the "Faith in Action" chapter to find out who else knew what they needed...)

Lord,
We Believe!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

Are you "In" or are you "Un"?

Seen in a convenience store last Friday, really, truly.

Are you "In"?
Or are you "Un"?

It starts as soon as you're old enough to hang out with peers.
The play group, the cool kids, the cliques, the "In".

And then there is the opposite.  
The desire to be one of the standouts, the loners, the unique, the "Un". 

"Fitting In" or "Fitting Un" - what SHOULD I be doing?

I saw these wristbands at a convenience store over the weekend and the "God is love" among the others got me thinking about where I - as a Christian - fit in.  Or not ("un").

In one way - we are definitely "Un".  
We live "in" this world - but we as children of God are not "of" this world.
We know of the special place in heaven prepared just for us and know that life is not "what you make it".

Listen to 2 Corinthians 10:2-4
"The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! 
The world doesn’t fight fair. 

But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. 

The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. 

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ." 

BUT - oddly enough - we (the "Un") do that through living and loving those IN the world.
Not through violent destruction or suicide bombing or even heated argument.
Not one of these things ever turned a heart towards Jesus.
Or ears towards the Message of eternal life.

And so - at the same time as being "Un" - we are definitely "In".
"For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his one and only Son..."
And it's up to us to bring that love to those IN the world.

How?
Our sermon this week from Pastor Patterson was "Free at Last!".
He painted us a beautiful picture of how the apostle Paul was both "In" and "Un".

Paul told the Corinthians (and us!)... 
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
"Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, 
I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 
religious, nonreligious, 
meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 
the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. 

I didn’t take on their way of life. 
I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. 

I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. 
I did all this because of the Message. 
I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!"

Jesus knows all about our struggles with "In"/"Un" and cares deeply about it.

I'll close with a part of Jesus "Prayer for his Disciples" from John 17:13-19.
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.  

I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world..." 

Lord,
As I struggle with "In" and "Un" - trying to be all things to all people and to keep myself or everyone satisfied - remind me that you walked this road and paved it for me.
Take me back to your Word for guidance and comfort and instruction.
Am"in".  Am"un".  Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

What are you wearing today?

Part of my ensemble today

What are you wearing today?
One of the things most of us do every day is decide what to wear.
This morning as I read Joel 2 - this passage struck me with a few thoughts.

Joel 2:13
The Message version puts it this way:
Change your life, not just your clothes.
    Come back to God, your God.
And here’s why: God is kind and merciful.
    He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,
This most patient God, extravagant in love,
    always ready to cancel catastrophe.

The New International Version says:
Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.

Good news - God has put clothes in your closet that perfectly fit your heart and life.

Ephesians 6:13-17
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

One final thought - keep your clothes sparkling clean and your armor strong with prayer!

Ephesians 6:18-20
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Amen!

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Good decisions, bad decisions...

This morning my sister shared a great little Bible Study she found that mines the book of Proverbs for "10 Characteristics of a Good Leader".

I'd like to pass that on to you today because I really enjoyed the insights and think you will, too.

10 Characteristics of a Good Leader

Just to give you a taste - here's the top 10 list...
10) Submission to God
9) Moderation
8) No need for public approval
7) Compassion
6) Awareness of your influence
5) Self Control
4) Seeking good advisors
3) Love
2) Integrity
1) Wisdom

Enjoy and God bless your day.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

It doesn't matter where you start. Only that you begin...

"It doesn't matter where you start.  Only that you begin." (Robin Sharma)

That's the quote that appeared on my Momentum page this morning (that's a cool extension to Google Chrome that gives you a great picture and quote every day, and displays the current time [like a desk clock], but I digress...).

That quote hits hard for me.
I love to gather information, analyze, gather more info, analyze some more.
And sometimes never get around to beginning.
In the software business we call it analysis paralysis.

Unless there is a deadline, of course...
Then I'll wait until the point where I can't wait any more and begin.
"Procrastination University - Training Tomorrow's Leaders Tomorrow...Or Maybe the Day After."

God, through Solomon in Proverbs 3, sets the stage for successful and timely beginnings.  And doesn't leave room for procrastination.

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,

    your very bones will vibrate with life!

Proverbs 3:11-12
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;

    a father’s delight is behind all this.

Proverbs 3:21-26
Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
    don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
    they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely,
    you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
    you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
    or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;

    he’ll keep you safe and sound.

Proverbs 3:27-28
Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
    your hand is God’s hand for that person.
Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time”
    or “Try me tomorrow”

    when the money’s right there in your pocket.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for reminding me that every beginning should start with You.
You kick me out of my analysis paralysis onto the path and say "start walking"!
I really need that kick of loving correction sometimes (OK, most times).
Love you!
Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?

There it is - the finish line!

There it is - the finish line!

In the past couple of years I have become a bicyclist and a runner (thanks to my family and God putting opportunities in my path).  We've done many 5K races and I've even got a 10K under my elastic belt.  I bike to work every day and often to other appointments. (This week I had a couple of 25 mile days - phew...)

It feels good to get to the finish line.
To get to where you are going.

This spring two of my sons graduated from college.
They are anxious to move on to the next race - life.
But it felt good to get to that finish line.

BUT - finishing first?
Is that what is important?
Is graduating with honors (high honors, highest honors) what is important?

Nope.

Or is doing your best and just finishing what is important?
Yup.

As I've spent 50 years on this earth so far - I've found that just finishing is the most gratifying and important thing I can do with anything I start.

 And then there is ultimate finish line.
When we draw our last breath and can race no more.
Isn't that the one I'm really running toward?

Writing this sentence has put me 3 seconds closer to it.

Paul talks about why that race is the most important...(Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG))  

"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back."

And the writer to the Hebrews gives us a pep talk in Hebrews 12:1-3...
"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? 

It means we’d better get on with it. 

Strip down, start running—and never quit! 
No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. 

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. 
Study how he did it. 

Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. 

And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. 

When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

Go, fight, finish!
Amen!

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Frank David

[Guest devotion from my brother Chris]

Frank David

Psalm 6 devotion

The Psalms are often cited for inspiration, calming, strengthening and guidance.  

Consider the 23rd Psalm.  It flows effortlessly from the mouths of the majority of Christians and offers hope, peace and comfort, speaking of a caring, loving and actively involved God who is our keeper and shepherd through life's troubles and travails.  

David's inspired words in the Psalms can serve as spiritual solid ground in an otherwise shaky world.

The Psalm we're considering today is very different from the 23rd Psalm.

The Message translation's clear, plain and simple verbiage speaks to my heart directly, so I have chosen to cite it for Psalm 6 for the purpose of this study.

Psalm 6: 1-3

"Please God, no more yelling, no more trips to the woodshed.  Treat me nice for a change; I'm so starved for affection. Can't you see I'm black and blue, beat up badly in bones and soul?  God, how long will it take for you to let up?"

How many times have you been in the place David was when he wrote this?  

How often have you felt like you simply couldn't take anymore and that you'd somehow lost God's favor?   

There are two biblical characters that always get my attention with their bold, somewhat audacious approach to God; They are Moses and David.  

I used to judge them both quite harshly thinking, "I'd never address God, the creator of all things, in such a disrespectful manner!"  I was wrong though.  

God WANTS us to be frank and honest with him.  He WANTS us to speak to him directly, openly, honestly.   He already knows what truly lies in our hearts.  

When we sugar coat, soft sell, or tone down our words out of some misguided desire to show respect for God's feelings, we miss out on realizing the potential peace that can come from an honest, sincere prayer conversation with God.   

David isn't being disrespectful here, he's "saying it like it is".  He's being frank.  Let's consider the next verses to see how he continues this prayer conversation with his Creator.

Psalm 6: 4-7

"Break in, God, and break up this fight; if you love me at all, get me out of here.  I'm no good to you dead am I?  I can't sing in your choir if I'm buried in some tomb!  I'm tired of all this - so tired.  My bed has been floating forty days and nights on the flood of my tears.  My mattress is soaked, soggy with tears.  The sockets of my eyes are black holes; nearly blind, I squint and grope."

Think to the times of extreme trial in your life.  The times when things were so dark that you wanted to scream out to God and beg him to stop it all; to take away the pain and sorrow and suffering.  

Did you?  Did you follow David's example and speak your feelings in vivid, bold, audacious detail?    

God loves you, so much that he gave He sent Jesus to take your place and buy your freedom.  

Imagine then that a God who loves you THAT much would love to HEAR your voice.  

Speaking to him daily about your successes and failures.  

Your fears and concerns.  

Your questions and triumphs.  

David shows us that God wants us to cry, laugh, sing, question, scream and be real in our prayer conversations with God. 

To bring this short Psalm to a close, David offers us the hope that we too can have EVERY time we pray to our God.

Psalm 6: 8-10

"Get out of here, you devil's crew: at last God has heard my sobs.  My requests have all been granted, my prayers are answered.  Cowards, my enemies disappear.  Disgraced, they turn tail and run."

Dear Lord, use David's example of frank, honest and real prayer conversation with you to inspire me to do the same.  Reassure me that you, my active and living God, hear and answer my prayers.  In Jesus name, Amen.

  

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